Green Valley Ranch

Green Valley Ranch review Rate it

The Green Valley Ranch was a gem right out of the box in 2001, and it hasn't stopped polishing itself since. In its third expansion, the former boutique-style resort with the Argentinian cattle baron motif has doubled its guestroom capacity, improved the gambling options, and added a 500-seat entertainment lounge. Amenities already in place before the renovation included District, a main-street-style shopping mall, a great mix of restaurants and one of the hottest pool areas in town.

Accommodation
The rooms are done out with old world decor, supplemented by goose-down pillows and fluffy robes. The huge penthouse suite comes complete with a baby grand, a dining table for ten, his and hers baths, a full kitchen and innumerable plasma screens. There's a cutting-edge spa out back, part of the eight-acre Whiskey Beach area; rent a cabana and order bottle service at the private pool called the Pond.

Eating & drinking
The gaming area is lined with dining options, including a couple of Asian options (China Spice and Sushi + Sake), Irish fusion pub grub at Fado, and a re-creation of vintage Vegas at Hank's, which boasts of 'fine steaks and martinis'. Still hungry? You need the Feast Around the World Buffet, a local favourite.

Entertainment
There are outdoor concerts at Whiskey Beach in summer, some at the 2,000-seat Grand Events Center, and in the new Ovation Lounge, booking everything from Grand Funk Railroad to Big Bad Vooodoo Daddy. Every night, there's Vegas-club-style action at Whiskey, a high-flyin', star-attractin' club that insouciantly spills out to outdoor lounging in the beach area. Back inside, there's a new 500-seat entertainment lounge and a ten-screen cinema. Adjacent to the hotel is the District shopping mall, with roughly 50 shops and restaurants.

Gambling
The pit, which surrounds the Drop Bar, is a bit cramped, though the slot areas are more expansive. A recent renovation brought a new 22-table poker room and a state-of-the-art sports book. Mini baccarat starts at $10 a hand. The video poker has been consistently strong over the past few years.